An inquiry has been launched into the issue of permits to major resorts in areas under the Munnar tribunal without the permission of the district administration.
Revenue Department sources said a team under Devikulam Subcollector Sriram Venkitaraman seized the permit register of the three grama panchayats under the Devikulam taluk for cross-checking files and permits. The three panchayats are Munnar, Pallivasal, and Devikulam, where many unauthorised constructions have come up.
Three officials have been exclusively deputed to the Revenue Department Office to examine the files.
It is learnt that the resort mafia in connivance with the panchayat staff secured permits flouting rules. Files had been tampered with and documents forged to ensure that the resorts got all government benefits even after the retirement of the officials.
It was also found that at Pallivasal, Attukadu, and Pothamedu under the Munnar tribunal area limits, multi-storey buildings were functioning without the permission of the district administration.
In addition to collecting the details of the unauthorised constructions and the details of encroachers, a list of officials who granted the permits was also being prepared. The details would be submitted at a meeting convened by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vjayan on May 7.
